Source: NCSU COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, 5/8/18


Biofix dates now have been set for the three key lepidopteran pests of apples in the Hendersonville area. Biofix dates are 2 Aprilfor oriental fruit moth, 30 April for codling moth, and 4 May for tufted apple bud moth. Although we have not captured moths in lower elevation orchards in Polk or Cleveland Counties, historically biofix occurs about 6 days earlier in these locations.
In Henderson County, oriental fruit moth trap captures have declined considerably during the past two weeks and the overwintering generation is dying out. Insecticides applied at petal fall, or mating disruption if using it, should have controlled OFM at this time.

Based on the 30 April biofix date for codling moth, 93 DD have accumulated, so the timing of the initial application for first-generation codling moth in Henderson County is predicted for 7 to 10 days. In orchards using mating disruption, insecticides targeting codling moth are not recommended until early to mid June, which will coincide with the timing needed for tufted apple bud moth.

In lower elevation orchards not using mating disruption, an insecticide targeting coding moth is recommended at this time if they have been captured in pheromone traps. If none have been captured, it is OK to delay this application for at least another 10 days.

Insecticides targeting plum curculio should have already been applied to most varieties. If an insecticide effective against this pest has not yet been made on late blooming cultivars, this should be done at soon as trees are free of pollinators.
Finally, for those who are targeting San Jose scale with post-bloom insecticide applications (Esteem, Centaur or Movento), there remains about a 2-week window of opportunity to apply these treatments and still obtain good control.

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